Developing English speaking competency through digital storytelling with personal photographs among sixth-semester information systems students at ITB STIKOM Bali

Abstract

English-speaking competency is an essential skill for Information Systems students to communicate technical ideas and prepare for professional careers in the global workplace. However, many undergraduate students still experience difficulties in speaking English due to limited practice, lack of confidence, and communication anxiety. This classroom action research investigated the effectiveness of Digital Storytelling using personal photographs in improving the English-speaking competency of sixth-semester Information Systems students at ITB STIKOM Bali during the 2026 academic year. The study involved 32 students and was conducted in two action research cycles following the planning, action, observation, and reflection model. Data were collected through speaking performance assessments, classroom observations, questionnaires, reflective journals, and video recordings. The results showed continuous improvement in students' speaking performance, with the mean score increasing from 64.5 in the preliminary assessment to 74.8 after Cycle I and 84.3 after Cycle II. Improvements were observed in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, content organization, and speaking confidence. Furthermore, 96.9% of the participants reported that Digital Storytelling increased their motivation and confidence to communicate in English. These findings indicate that Digital Storytelling with personal photographs is an effective instructional strategy for enhancing speaking competency in English for Specific Purposes courses at the university level.